Prashamrati Prakaran - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Prashamrati Prakaran":

Book Title: Prashamrati Prakaran (प्रशमरति प्रकरण) Author(s): Originally by Pujyapad Sri Umāsvātikā Mahārāja (पूज्यपाद श्री उमास्वाति महामुनि), with commentary by Sri Haribhadrasūri Mahārāja (श्री हरिभद्रसूरि महाराज), and the present Gujarati translation and commentary by Acharya Rajshekharsurijee (आचार्य राजशेखरसूरिजी). Publisher: Arihant Āradhak Trust (अरिहंत आराधक ट्रस्ट) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023402/1

Core Theme and Purpose:

"Prashamrati Prakaran" is a significant Jain text focused on cultivating "Prasham" (प्रशम), which translates to tranquility, calmness, and inner peace. The book's central theme is to guide individuals, primarily ascetics (monks and nuns), towards achieving a life of profound peace and spiritual equilibrium by understanding the causes of suffering and the path to overcoming them. It emphasizes that true happiness lies not in external pleasures but in the cultivation of inner peace.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The text, originally authored by the venerable Acharya Umāsvātikā, is presented here with a detailed Gujarati commentary and translation by Acharya Rajshekharsurijee, based on the commentary of Acharya Haribhadrasūri. The book is structured into various sections or chapters (Adhikāras), each delving into specific aspects of spiritual practice and the Jain philosophical framework.

Summary of Key Sections (Adhikāras):

The text is divided into twenty-two main sections (Adhikāras), which can be broadly summarized as follows:

Pīṭhabandha Adhikāra (पीठबन्धाधिकारः): This introductory section likely sets the stage, perhaps by invoking auspiciousness or outlining the purpose and structure of the work.
Kashāya Adhikāra (कषायाधिकारः): Deals with the four passions (Kashāyas) – anger, pride, deceit, and greed – which are considered root causes of suffering and bondage. It likely explains their nature and how they disturb inner peace.
Rāgādi Adhikāra (रागाद्यधिकारः): Focuses on attachment (Rāga) and aversion (Dvesha), and their role in perpetuating the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). It highlights how attachment to worldly pleasures and aversion to suffering leads to unrest.
Karma Adhikāra (कर्माधिकारः): Explains the intricate workings of Karma, the fundamental principle in Jainism that governs an individual's destiny. It likely details the types of Karma (eightfold classification), their bondage, and their effects.
Karaṇārtha Adhikāra Dvaya (करणार्थाधिकारद्वयम्): These two sections likely elaborate on the means and processes involved in spiritual practice, possibly detailing specific actions or methodologies.
Madasthāna Adhikāra (मदस्थानाधिकारः): Discusses the eight sources of pride or conceit (Mada) – such as pride in lineage, beauty, strength, knowledge, etc. – and the importance of renouncing them for inner peace.
Āchāra Adhikāra (आचाराधिकारः): This section is crucial as it outlines the prescribed conduct and ethical principles (Āchāra) for Jain ascetics, likely drawing from the Āchārāṅga Sūtra. It emphasizes the importance of right conduct for spiritual progress.
Bhāvanā Adhikāra (भावनाधिकारः): Focuses on spiritual contemplations or meditations (Bhāvanās), such as contemplation of impermanence, suffering, non-attachment, purity, etc. These are seen as essential for cultivating inner peace.
Dharma Adhikāra (धर्माधिकारः): Details the ten virtues or principles of Dharma in Jainism: Forgiveness (Kshama), Humility (Mārdava), Straightforwardness (Ārjava), Purity (Shaucha), Truthfulness (Satya), Asceticism (Tapas), Renunciation (Tyāga), Celibacy (Brahmacharya), and Non-possession (Ākiñchanya). It highlights their significance in achieving tranquility.
Kathā Adhikāra (कथाधिकारः): This section likely discusses various types of discourse or narratives, emphasizing the importance of righteous (Dharmakatha) narratives and the avoidance of unwholesome ones (like stories of sensual pleasure, tales of thieves, etc.).
Jīva Adhikāra (जीवाधिकारः): Focuses on the nature of the soul (Jīva), its different states (liberated and embodied), and its various classifications.
Upayoga Adhikāra (उपयोगाधिकारः): Explains Upayoga, the soul's innate characteristic of consciousness or apprehension, in its two primary forms: Darshana (perception) and Jnana (knowledge).
Bhāva Adhikāra (भावाधिकारः): Delves into the different modes or states of the soul (Bhāvas) arising from karmic influences, such as Āudayika (resulting from karmic fruition), Pāriṇāmika (natural disposition), Āupashamika (resulting from subsidence of karma), Kshāyika (resulting from destruction of karma), and Kshāyopashamika (resulting from subsidence and destruction of karma).
Ṣaḍvidha Dravya Adhikāra (षड्विधद्रव्याधिकारः): Discusses the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) of Jain philosophy: Jīva (soul), Ajīva (non-soul, comprising Dharma, Adharma, Ākāsha, Kāla, and Pudgala).
Charaṇa Adhikāra (चरणारधिकारः): This section likely pertains to conduct and virtuous actions, possibly detailing the vows and practices of ascetics.
Shīlāṅga Adhikāra (शीलाङ्गाधिकारः): Focuses on the components or limbs of virtue (Shīla), possibly elaborating on the ancillary practices that support the main vows.
Dhyāna Adhikāra (ध्यानाधिकारः): Details the four types of meditative practices (Dhyāna) in Jainism – Ājnāvichaya, Apāyavichaya, Vipākavichaya, and Sansthānavichaya – which are instrumental in achieving inner peace.
Shreṇī Adhikāra (श्रेण्याधिकारः): Discusses the spiritual "ladders" or stages (Shreṇī) of progress, particularly focusing on the path of ascetics, likely including concepts like Kāyasāṃskāra and the gradual stages towards liberation.
Samudghāta Adhikāra (समुद्घाताधिकारः): Explains Samudghāta, a phenomenon where the soul's consciousness can extend beyond the physical body, particularly in the context of the process of attaining omniscience or liberation.
Yoganirōdha Adhikāra (योगनिरोधाधिकारः): Deals with the cessation of Yoga (mind, speech, and body activities), which is a crucial step in the path to liberation, leading to a state of utter stillness.
Shiva Gamana Vidhāna Adhikāra (शिवगमनविधानाधिकारः): This section likely describes the "process" or "method" of attaining salvation (Moksha), the ultimate goal of Jain spiritual practice.
Phala Adhikāra (फलाधिकारः): The concluding section, which likely summarizes the fruits or rewards of diligently practicing the principles outlined in the book, emphasizing the ultimate attainment of perfect peace and liberation.

Authoritative Lineage and Significance:

The text highlights a strong lineage of spiritual masters, including Sri Dharanendrapadmawati, Shankheshwar Parshwanath, Sri Dan-Prem-Ramchandra-Heersurishwarji, and Acharya Rajshekharsuri Maharaj, underscoring the authenticity and depth of the teachings. The publication is dedicated to ascetics and knowledge repositories, reflecting its scholarly and spiritual value. Acharya Rajshekharsurijee's personal journey and inspiration from other esteemed acharyas (like Acharya Pradyumnasuri) further emphasize the text's importance.

Overall Message:

"Prashamrati Prakaran" serves as a guide to achieve lasting inner peace by understanding the transient nature of worldly pleasures, the grip of passions and karma, and the importance of disciplined conduct, meditation, and renunciation. It encourages a life dedicated to spiritual progress, leading ultimately to liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of suffering. The text is particularly aimed at providing a clear understanding of these profound concepts, making them accessible even to those with limited intellectual capacity, through its detailed commentary.